Chapter 19
Zoey observed her father’s weathered appearance and frail figure. A twinge of sadness welled within her.
Two designers swiftly rolled out a red carpet when she knelt to be on eye level with her father, offering a service fit for royalty.
“Dad, I’m here to see you today. Whether you want to meet us or not, I hope you don’t get upset,” Zoey pleaded, sensing her father’s mixed feelings.
Wallace felt a sense of guilt toward his eldest daughter while harboring increasing resentment toward
Cyrus.
He viewed his son–in–law as a disappointment, failing to meet his expectations. Glancing at Cyrus with displeasure, Wallace questioned, “Don’t tell me you paid for Zoey’s dress.”
“It’s a favor from a friend who owed me, so you could say I contributed,” Cyrus replied.
“You have friends like that? Why did you beat Zoey up over just a few thousand dollars before then?” Wallace sneered.
Cyrus chose not to dwell on past grievances.
It wasn’t his style. He intended to prove himself in the future.
“Dad, I have many friends. You’ll see. Today, on your 60th birthday, I won’t borrow any more money, and I won’t covet your wealth. There’s no need for hostility,” Cyrus reassured.
Understanding the situation, Mira, the sensible one, sweetly approached, “Grandpa, Dad has been amazing lately–cooking, doing laundry, buying new clothes for Mom and me. He hasn’t lost his temper at all.”
Was Cyrus doing household chores? Wallace looked at Mira in surprise.
Zoey nodded and said, “Mira never lies. He has been doing these things, and this time, he insisted on coming to wish you a happy birthday.”
Mabel caught up to them, urging, “Enough! You’ve seen them. Now ask them to get out.”
“Since they’re here now. Why leave? Wallace questioned,
you well?
“Are you out of your mind? This man can’t even buy a decent gift. Is he genuinely here to wish This dress costs over 30 million dollars, and its origin is sketchy. If something goes wrong, won’t it be embarrassing for you?” Mabel contended.
“The dress is legitimate. There are no issues there. As for the gift, it’s prepared and will be delivered shortly.” Cyrus replied.
“Don’t tell me the helicopter on the rooftop is delivering your gift,” Mabel teased.
“Well, it’s just a small gift! Cyrus quipped
Chapter
“Make sure it goes beyond merely preserving your reputation,” Mabel warned.
“Enough! Are we done embarrassing ourselves?” Wallace scolded his wife quietly, then turned to Cyrus, “I don’t need you to bring a gift. There are many guests here tonight, so I won’t make it difficult for you. Just divorce Zoey soon and give her a way out.”
Typically, Wallace wouldn’t address his wife in such a manner, given his usual incapacity to manage his own affairs.
However, on this particular evening, being the center of attention for his birthday and intending to declare the handing over of the inheritance to his son, Felix, Mabel refrained from pushing matters too aggressively.
“But there are no seats for you,” Mabel said, switching to a smile.
Then, she led her son, daughters, and brother to invite all guests into the banquet hall.
Each seat had a corresponding guest name, but there was none for Cyrus’s family.
The waitstaff had to bring in a small table, and the three sat in a corner.
Zoey softly said to Cyrus, “Don’t be upset.”
“What’s there to be upset about? Let’s order some food that you and Mira like,” Cyrus smiled.
The guests, including Frederick at the VIP table, saw how Mabel and the family ignored them.
Even Frederick, sitting at the VIP table, couldn’t stand it. He said, “Mabel, you’re being too stingy. Zoey is already here. Why aren’t there any seats arranged for them?”
“Frederick, there really aren’t any seats left. Besides, that useless guy from the Johnson family doesn’t have the qualifications to sit at the table with us,” Mabel chuckled.
At this moment, Mabel’s younger brother, Howard, came out of the elevator and whispered to her, There’s a heavy–duty helicopter on the rooftop, guarded by professionals. We can’t get close. It might be on a secret mission. It is requisitioning a temporary resting point by force.”
“So they have nothing to do with Cyrus?”
“How is that possible? It’s a heavy–duty aircraft. He wouldn’t have such connections even if his father were still alive.”
“I knew it. That poor bastard can’t afford any valuable gifts,” Mabel sighed in relief.
